Volume 16, Issue 3 (6-2026)
Iran J Ped Hematol Oncol 2026, 16(3): 995-1000 |
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Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran & Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Ira
Abstract: (415 Views)
Background: Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common primary astroglial neoplasm in children and adolescents. Massive calcification is a rare feature of PA and may complicate radiologic and pathologic diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of PA with extensive microcalcification in western Iran.
Case Presentation: A 12-year-old boy presented with a two-year history of headache and vomiting that had worsened during the previous 15 days. Physical examination revealed a conscious and hemodynamically stable patient with no focal neurologic deficits. Histopathologic examination demonstrated a fascicular and microcystic tumor composed of cells with oval to spindle-shaped nuclei and bipolar cytoplasmic processes within a fibrillary matrix. Hyalinized arborizing ectatic vessels, Rosenthal fibers, and extensive areas of microcalcification were also identified.
Conclusion: Calcification is an uncommon feature of PAs and may create diagnostic challenges for radiologists and pathologists. Calcified PAs may occur at any age, with an approximately equal male-to-female ratio. Headache, vomiting, seizures, and visual disturbances are among the most common presenting symptoms in patients with calcified PA.
Case Presentation: A 12-year-old boy presented with a two-year history of headache and vomiting that had worsened during the previous 15 days. Physical examination revealed a conscious and hemodynamically stable patient with no focal neurologic deficits. Histopathologic examination demonstrated a fascicular and microcystic tumor composed of cells with oval to spindle-shaped nuclei and bipolar cytoplasmic processes within a fibrillary matrix. Hyalinized arborizing ectatic vessels, Rosenthal fibers, and extensive areas of microcalcification were also identified.
Conclusion: Calcification is an uncommon feature of PAs and may create diagnostic challenges for radiologists and pathologists. Calcified PAs may occur at any age, with an approximately equal male-to-female ratio. Headache, vomiting, seizures, and visual disturbances are among the most common presenting symptoms in patients with calcified PA.
Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
Heart
Received: 2025/12/2 | Accepted: 2026/06/10 | Published: 2026/06/17
Received: 2025/12/2 | Accepted: 2026/06/10 | Published: 2026/06/17
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